Caregiving tasks and caregiver burden: effects of an psycho-educational intervention in partners of patients with post-operative heart failure

Objective To evaluate the effects of a psycho-educational intervention on caregiver burden in partners of patients with postoperative heart failure. Background Since partners of cardiac surgery patients play a significant role in the patient’s recovery, it is important to address their needs during hospitalization and after discharge. Methods Forty-two patients with postoperative heart failure and their partners participated in a randomized controlled pilot study. Dyads in the intervention group received psycho-educational support from a multidisciplinary team. Dyads in the control group received usual care. Results No significant differences were found in the performance of caregiving tasks and perceived caregiver burden in the control versus the intervention group. Conclusion A pilot study exploring the effects of a psycho-educational intervention in patients and their partners did not reveal significant effects with regard to reduced feelings of burden in partners. Alleviating caregiver burden in partners may need a more intense or specific approach.